Suited For Some H2O
With summer upon us, here is MidWeek‘s 14th annual swimsuit issue, featuring the latest styles of swimwear photographed by glamour photographer Russell Tanoue at the iconic Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort.
This season, bikini trends include cutouts, graphic designs, floral prints, and feminine details such as ruffles and bows.
For the style of suit, bra tops and bustiers are in, and bandeaus are still very popular. For bottoms, skimpy scrunch-back bikinis are really hot, as well as high-waisted retro-like bottoms.
For men, surf shorts continue to be the modern beach attire. But don’t be afraid to wear something bright and fun, or a length that is a little higher than usual, as those retro-style boardshorts with a shorter and slightly slimmer cut seem to have made a comeback.
With a wide range of options available, there’s something to suit every type of beach body. Just remember, even the hottest swimwear won’t look good if it doesn’t fit right, so shop around and have some fun in the sun.
Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort served as the location for this year’s MidWeek swimsuit issue shoot, offering a vast 22 acres of oceanfront paradise.
Whether you’re planning a family staycation or a romantic getaway, it’s the perfect place for kamaaina to escape. There are five unique pools, including the 10,000-square-foot Super Pool, fun water slides, the activity-packed Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon, live entertainment nightly, a spectacular fireworks show that lights up the sky at 7:45 every Friday night and so much more.
A true resort providing everything you need on property, there also are more than 90 shops and boutiques, and more than 20 eateries to choose from. This week, the resort welcomes the opening of Lanikai Juice, a popular local food and beverage company known for its fresh smoothies, fruit bowls and freshly squeezed juices.
Guests also will want to explore the surrounding exotic wildlife, such as the more than 30 exotic birds including flamingos, swans and African black-foot penguins, as well as lush botanical gardens.
Hollywood also is a fan of Hilton Hawaiian Village, with the resort hosting several TV shows, including the old and new Hawaii Five-0, Hawaiian Eye, Beverly Hills 90210, Pacific Blue, Baywatch Hawaii, Magnum P.I. and many others. Throughout the years, numerous celebrities also have visited the Hilton Hawaiian Village, including Elvis Presley, who was there multiple times, and Michael Jackson along with sister Janet.
From now through June 30, kamaaina can enjoy an affordable staycation at Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort with special rates starting from $159. Book the special kamaaina package and receive free self-parking for one car, 10 percent off Mandara Spa treatments, 15 percent off dining at Bali Steak & Seafood, Tropics Bar & Grill and Rainbow Lanai; as well as 15 percent off Spirit of Aloha Catamaran.
For more information, call 949-4321 and ask for package code P3 ($25 per day resort charge will be added to the daily room rate) or visit HiltonHawaiianVillage.com/kamaaina.
Russell Tanoue
For the 14th consecutive year, glamour photographer Russell Tanoue goes behind the lens for our annual swimsuit issue.
A 20-year-plus veteran of the beauty industry, Tanoue has worked with countless models and actors, including many celebrities. Throughout the years, he’s become known for not only making people look good in photos, but also for helping them feel good about themselves. His reputation and passion for keeping it real in what’s often seen as a superficial scene has kept him in high demand.
“I was not born with thick skin, and let me tell you, it took a lot of learning along the way,” he says about working in this industry for so long. “However, I always told myself I would never let the industry change my heart. So, I’ve always been true and never stood in the middle. It’s a business, and I turn it on and turn it off. Everyone is searching for their purpose and in this industry, a lot of self-esteem is lost or misled.
“One of the ways I continue what I do is by reinventing myself, which I feel everyone should do. This year, it was about transforming my body by eating healthy and working out, almost religiously. I cook most all my meals high-protein, low-carb, low-sodium, and have been drinking apple cider vinegar daily. I’m also celebrating eight years since I kicked the tobacco habit, and I encourage anyone who smokes to stop giving into it and start reinventing yourself.”
Tanoue also is known for putting on memorable events. His annual birthday celebration is set for July 27 at Pearl Ultralounge at 7 p.m.
He also believes in giving back and helping others, and has several projects in the works dedicated to the homeless, such as food drives and getting bags filled with hygiene supplies.
“Several months ago, myself and two teens went to drop off food to some homeless by Kakaako and we only had enough for one corner,” he explains. “It saddened me to think for many, they go days without food.
“One of my favorites quotes is by Kalu Kalu: ‘The things you do for yourself are gone when you are gone, but the things you do for others remain as your legacy.'”
PRODUCTION CREW CREDITS
Photographer: Russell Tanoue, www.my-rt.com, www.facebook.com/russelltanoue
Assistant: Warren Woon
Location: Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort
Makeup/Hair: Heather Heen, Nicole Faria and Jodi Lee of Delish Makeup Artistry
Wardrobe: Yu Shing Ting
